Prune tree limbs that are close to your house. They can cause damage to your home or utility wires during a storm.

Find a place to move your boat in an emergency.

Park your car in a place that will be safest from falling trees and utility poles.

If you are in a high-rise, know the location of the nearest stairway. Don't use the elevator.

Assign roles/responsibilities for hurricane preparedness and evacuation to each member of the household long before actual storm.

Establish an evacuation plan and map out exit strategy and route.

If your home is at risk, plan in advance where you will stay. Call the ODPEM disaster coordinator for the location of the nearest shelter.

If you need transportation to a public shelter due to special needs - such as age, physical disability, or mental disorder, register in advance with the nearest parish council office and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management... READ MORE

STORM SURGE EVACUATION TIPS

Minimise the distance you must travel to reach a safe location.

Select the nearest possible evacuation destination, preferably within your local area, and map out your route.

Choose the home of the closest friend or relative outside a designated evacuation zone, or go to a public shelter or hotel outside of the vulnerable area.

Contact your local emergency management office to register or get information.

Prepare your home prior to leaving by boarding up doors and windows, securing or moving indoors all yard objects, and turning off all utilities.

Before leaving, fill your car with gas and withdraw extra money from the ATM.

Take all prescription medicines and special medical items, such as glasses and diapers.

If your family evacuation plan includes a boat or trailer, leave early.

If you are ordered by local officials to evacuate, do so as quickly as possible. Don't delay.

Stay tuned to a local radio or television station.

HOW TO STORE WATER AND FOOD

Store enough water to last two weeks for each person in your household. A normal active person requires a minimum of one litre of water per day for drinking and food preparation.

Label the containers with the current date and renew your drinking supply each month.